Gujarat couple rescued from alleged kidnapping in Azerbaijan after diplomatic intervention

Dhruv Patel, 22, from Jhakharia village, and Dipika Patel, 32, from Kantharia, were allegedly kidnapped in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, while en route to the US through what is commonly referred to as the “Donkey Route” — an irregular migration pathway that involves transit across multiple countries through agents.

According to their families and Anand MP Mitesh Patel, the two arrived in Baku on February 1 after leaving India on January 30.

They had reportedly been persuaded by Mumbai-based agents that they could reach the United States via an indirect route.

Shortly after landing in Azerbaijan, they were allegedly abducted and confined in a deserted house instead of being transported onward.

Family members claimed the kidnappers contacted them through WhatsApp video calls and demanded ransom. During these calls, Dhruv was allegedly beaten in front of his relatives.

The abductors reportedly threatened to remove and sell the captives’ kidneys if their demands were not met. The families said they paid Rs 65 lakh through a combination of cash and cryptocurrency, but the threats allegedly continued even after the payment.

In a video statement, MP Mitesh Patel said the couple’s parents approached him two days before the rescue. He said he immediately escalated the matter to the Ministry of External Affairs and met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi to explain the situation.

Describing the episode as “heartbreaking,” the MP said the government acted swiftly after being informed. Following diplomatic coordination between the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Baku, the two individuals were rescued within 24 hours and brought to the embassy premises.

The rescue effort has been referred to locally as “Operation Mahisagar,” named after a region in Gujarat.

While operational details have not been publicly disclosed, the MP said the embassy in Azerbaijan acted promptly after receiving instructions from New Delhi.

Dhruv and Dipika are currently under the protection of the Indian Embassy in Baku and are expected to return to India after completing necessary legal formalities. Dhruv’s father expressed gratitude to the government and said his children had been given a “new life.”

Authorities are also investigating the network that allegedly facilitated their travel. Sources have named an Iranian individual known as “Baba Khan” and an associate identified as Pawan Rocky as suspected figures in the broader network.

Police in Anand are searching for five Mumbai-based agents who allegedly persuaded the couple to attempt the journey through illegal channels.

Officials said the investigation is ongoing and further details are expected as inquiries continue.